Baby Formula → China

Subject to duty above personal allowance

Details

China allows personal import of infant formula but quantities above the personal goods allowance (RMB 5,000) face customs duty and import tax. Cross-border e-commerce is the dominant channel for imported formula due to domestic food safety concerns following the 2008 melamine scandal. Enforcement in China carries fines from CNY 5,000 to CNY 50,000 under Customs Law of the PRC Art. 82; Criminal Law of the PRC Art. 153 (ordinary personal cases are handled as civil infringements). Leaving China with baby formula is a separate question — allowed: Baby formula may be exported from China freely at personal-use quantities.

Quantity limit

Personal use within RMB 5,000 allowance

Documentation required

• Phytosanitary Certificate (commercial quantities)
• Export Health Certificate (animal-origin, commercial)

Legal reference

PRC Customs Law, Cross-border E-commerce Regulations

Leaving with this item

Baby formula may be exported from China freely at personal-use quantities.

Practical advice

Declare baby formula at customs on arrival in China and carry any documentation specified in the rule. Verify current requirements with General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) before travel.

Customs authority

General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) · http://www.customs.gov.cn